In a large tavern, several novice mercenaries were gathered, all around 15 years old. Indeed, only the novice mercenaries would be going on this mission. About forty people were present, and seven stood out—fully covered. Two sat on the left side, and the others were scattered throughout the tavern.
"Are you sure we'll be able to get in, master?"
"As long as they don't find out, it will be fine."
The two were so covered that one could barely see their eyes, with the boy carrying a spear on his back. Looking to the other side, he saw another boy, also covered, though his eyes—red like rubies—were visible, along with a blue pendant around his neck. He wasn't surprised he was hiding his face, since mercenaries often did that to avoid being recognized.
"Is he someone interesting, master?"
"He doesn't seem like much. I'm just curious, that's all."
"Pleasure to meet you, novices."
A burly man entered the room carrying a hammer, followed by two other mercenaries—one with many scars and another who looked elderly. The three sat at a table near the door, and through the shadows cast when the door closed, it was clear there were more mercenaries outside.
"Many of you here are still complete novices who haven't received your official licenses. And as you know, this mission isn't to make you official, but to bring you a step closer."
To receive an official license, one had to reach the third circle and be contracted by a mercenary guild, which monitored and recorded everything about the novices who applied. This test was meant to boost those with greater potential, as examiners would report on their performance.
"They're definitely the ones outside the tavern."
"As sharp as ever, master."
"First, I'd like you to introduce yourselves when I call your names and state just one of your goals before we begin the test."
While he grabbed a paper with the list and started calling names, the girl pulled out a sheet with mission details. Recovering the core seemed to be something her master wanted badly, so she had to give her all.
"Rauven Drosmir, raise your hand and state one of your goals."
"I only enjoy killing people."
A boy with an almost dead-looking appearance raised his hand. He didn't seem trustworthy at all, let alone someone to turn your back on.
"Arvanys… you don't have a surname?"
"No, I'm just an orphan, and my goal is simple: to dedicate myself to mercenary work."
"I like you."
"Thank you, sir."
The girl belonged to the beastman tribe, but since she covered the key features, no one could tell her species. Still, others of the same tribe looked at her with confusion, as if they felt both danger and safety from her presence—it was strange.
"Dorian Keldras."
"Here, sir… I just want to make money."
"I like you too."
The boy stayed quiet after that. He seemed very cold toward others and sat alone in a hidden corner. The examiner shrugged.
"Kael Veryon."
"Here, old man."
"Didn't like you already."
"Thank you very much."
The boy with the red eyes lazily raised his hand. Through his eyes, a challenging smile could be seen on his face.
"What's your goal?"
"Revenge."
The examiner took notes and moved on. He had seen people like him before—they either died quickly or became uncontested forces among mercenaries. So even though he didn't like him, he could still be useful.
"Alaric."
"My goal is to recover something, and I'm an orphan."
"Lyssandra."
"The same as the master."
Seeing the two, he simply shook his head. Who were they trying to fool? It was obvious they were more than that—perhaps nobles, judging by how the girl spoke. Still, he didn't care as long as they were useful. Watching the boy scolding the girl for saying the word "master," he decided to begin the test.
"Alright, we'll start immediately."
"Now?"
"Yes. The five who survive or don't faint will be chosen. So, begin fighting."
A slash appeared on a boy's throat—he clutched it in panic, but his head was severed. Rauven had started the chaos instantly, his dagger imbued with dark magic. From then on, bodies fell mercilessly across the tavern.
Alaric drew his spear, coating it with water magic. With a swing, he cut down enemies rushing him. At his side, Lyssandra summoned a green tiger with blue stripes.
"There are too many… damn, I just released my magic. Master, can you help me?"
"What would you be without me?"
Pointing his spear behind Lyssandra, a water lance shot out, striking an enemy sneaking up on her. Spinning his spear, he pierced the shoulder of another attacker wielding a sword.
"Come on, tell me who's the strongest among you."
Seeing someone thrown across the room, he spotted Kael, who seemed to be targeting only the strongest. Finding Rauven about to kill another, Kael struck him with a powerful punch, sending him crashing into a wall.
"You bastard!"
Shadows poured from Rauven's hands into his dagger, launching a dark slash at Kael. Covering his hands with water, Kael caught the attack barehanded, stepping back slightly.
"He also has water magic? Why am I even surprised…?"
Dodging another strike, Kael saw blades piercing through other novices. Footsteps echoed as Arvanys emerged, stepping over corpses. That girl was terrifying—truly terrifying. On the other side, many were bound in chains, unable to move. That magic came from Dorian.
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Hearing the shout, everyone looked toward Rauven, who was failing to touch Kael. Kael easily dodged every blow.
"You're too hot-headed. Makes your movements easy to predict."
"Shut up!"
Their clash drew close to Alaric and Lyssandra. Creating a water lance, Alaric hurled it at Rauven. Truthfully, he had spotted three who seemed useful and decided to intervene. Rauven blocked, though he was pushed back.
"Interrupting others' fights is rude, you know?"
Alaric was shocked—Kael was right behind him, and he hadn't noticed when he moved. It was the first time he had seen someone his age move so fast.
"Interesting. How do you create those lances?"
Alaric explained the basics to get closer to him, hoping to make an ally. After the brief explanation, Kael seemed to understand—but then did something else.
"Why are you getting distracted?"
Rauven appeared behind Kael, dagger ready to pierce him. But before he could touch him, a hole was blown through his chest, pierced by a water lance.
"My name is Kael, and it's a pleasure to meet a fellow water mage."
He extended his hand, his eyes gleaming with amusement as his blue pendant shone. His water lance, now mixed with blood, hovered menacingly. By the looks of it, Alaric had just encountered a monster.